Garryowen FC Notes w.e 12^th Nov 2006

A blue sky and a bumper crowd were the backdrops for our AIL game against Shannon at Thomond Park last Saturday. As predicted, it was a cracker and in the end we were glad to ease home 19-11. Most of the action was confined to the first period during which, AIB Man of the Match, Ciaran O’Boyle helped himself to three tries. Conor Kilroy added the extra points to two, but the Parish fought back well to narrow the gap to 19-8 at half time. An early score for either side after the break would have been decisive, but an injury to prop Liam Og Casey (happily he only suffered some muscle damage) seemed to take the pace off the game. Shannon did manage a further penalty and our inability to add to our score still leaves much work to be done on the training paddock. Following our reversal away to St. Mary’s the previous week, we were glad to get back on track but there is a long way to go yet. Indeed, this may prove to be one of the most contested title races for a number of years, with quite a few teams willing to put their claims forward for ultimate success. Our next game is at home to Belfast Harlequins on 2^nd December.

The U20’s got off the mark (!) when they edged Highfield 22-21 in Cork . It looked pretty glum when we trailed 14-3, but we hit back with tries from Sean Hogan, Tadgh Nihill and Emmet Harty. Diarmuid Waters added two conversions and Eoin Breen kicked a penalty. This Saturday we play UCC at 2.30 in Dooradoyle. Our 3rdXV went down narrowly to Shannon in a dour encounter in the Gleeson League at Coonagh last Saturday. Both sides appeared to have periods of dominance, but although Fergus Sheahan kicked a penalty, it wasn’t enough and Shannon replied with two of their own to run out 6-3 winners. Tries from Brian Walpole, Niall O’Driscoll and Robert Coates provided the platform for a 31-16 win over Thomond in the NM Seconds League game in Dooradoyle last Sunday. Alan Kingsley was razor sharp with his kicking, landing four penalties and two conversions. This Saturday we have a home friendly v UCC at 1.00. The U13’s remain unbeaten in the NM League thanks to a 12-5 win over UL Bohs. We are expecting a large turnout for our Race Day in Greenmount on Sunday. JJ still has a few spaces for the gala lunch. The club would like to express it’s condolences to the Mullally family on the death of their Father, Gay. Well known in rugby (Shannon RFC) and business circles, he will be sadly missed by his family and friends. His Daughter, Majella is the wife of our sponsor Killian Slattery. Teresa O’Sullivan, wife of club stalwart Paddy O’Sullivan, also went to her eternal rest last week. We wish to sympathise with Paddy and his family at this difficult time.